§ Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that after the 1914–18 war the Government refunded ex-gratia the travelling expenses of British subjects who came to England from overseas at their own expense to volunteer for service in the Armed Forces; and whether he is prepared to do the same this time.
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir. It has been decided not to refund travelling expenses in these cases as a general rule. This decision was taken by all Departments concerned for administrative reasons in the light of the experience following the 1914–18 war. The hon. Member will no doubt be aware that under the Release Regulations all persons ordinarily resident abroad who arrived in this country after a specified date and subsequently joined His Majesty's Forces are eligible for repatriation to their home country.